May 2026

CARDIOVASCULAR

COX’S SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION EXPLORES THE EVOLUTION AND CURRENT STANDARDS OF AFIB CARE

Featuring: James L. Cox, MD, Patrick M. McCarthy, MD, and S. Chris Malaisrie, MD
Written by James L. Cox, MD, who developed the surgical procedures that form the foundation of modern atrial fibrillation surgery, Cox’s Surgical Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation is a comprehensive reference on the pathophysiology of AFib, the development of surgical ablation strategies and contemporary operative techniques.

This text examines the scientific principles underlying AFib and other cardiac arrhythmias, traces the evolution of surgical ablation approaches and documents current best practices. Dr. Cox is joined by co-editors Patrick M. McCarthy, MD, and S. Chris Malaisrie, MD, along with renowned national and international contributors, to present a detailed and clinically relevant resource grounded in historical perspective and current evidence.

​The book serves as a cornerstone reference for clinicians and scientists seeking an academically rigorous understanding of AFib and its surgical management.

Key Features
  • Addresses and clarifies common AFib misconceptions, synthesizing research for a clear academic framework for understanding AFib and related cardiac arrhythmias
  • Presents the clinical experience and scientific perspectives of Dr. Cox, Dr. McCarthy and Dr. Malaisrie on AFib pathophysiology, along with the development and refinement of ablative therapies, supplemented by contributions from leading experts
  • Reviews two decades of surgical experience in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias that informed the development of effective surgical treatment for AFib, including procedures for:
    • Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
    • AV node reentrant tachycardia
    • Automatic right and left atrial tachycardias
    • Ischemic and non-ischemic ventricular tachycardias
  • Includes approximately 500 detailed images to support anatomical and procedural understanding
  • Provides access to procedural videos demonstrating techniques such as Cox-Maze III, minimally invasive Cox CryoMaze III, Cox-Maze IV, pulmonary vein isolation, hybrid approaches and left atrial appendage closure
James L. Cox, MD, Professor of Cardiac Surgery
Patrick M. McCarthy, MD, Executive Director of Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Heller-Sacks Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Professor of Cardiac Surgery
S. Chris Malaisrie, MD, Professor of Cardiac Surgery

Refer a Patient

Northwestern Medicine welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with you in caring for your patients. ​

You May Also Like